The Hood River Urban Renewal Agency met on Monday to discuss a number of important issues including phase three of the Hood River Heights Streetscape plan.

Originally from Portland, this soon to be Dufur resident is a new resident of the Gorge but her passion for the outdoors and the land runs deep. Now, this land use attorney is hoping to bring her knowledge navigating and resolving complex land use issues to the Gorge Commission.

Hood River City Council continued their discussion on a 72-hr parking ordinance for the City of Hood River at their July 24th meeting. The discussion culminated in the decision to draft an ordinance that would require all vehicles parked within the public right of way to move at least two blocks, every seven days. 

Visit Hood River (VHR) has announced their August First Friday event Hot August Nights. Set to take place from 5 to 8 p.m. on August 4th, on Oak Street in downtown Hood River, the event will feature a car show, art, vendors, live music and more!

Community Development Partners (CDP) and Columbia Cascade Housing Corporation  (CCHC) have been awarded $15.1 million from Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) for their Hood River  Affordable Housing Development.

Hood River Aero declared flour bomber Liam Schofield and his pilot Jason Wells as the winners of their Flour Bombing at 4S2 competition on July 14th.

The Port of Hood River Board of Commissioners greenlit a toll rate increase for the Hood River-White Salmon Bridge at their July 11, 2023 meeting. The toll increase will begin on September 1, 2023.

The Dalles, OR, July 17, 2023— Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) has openings for several boards staffed by the organization, including the MCEDD Board of Directors and the MCEDD Loan Administration Board.

Columbia Riverkeeper’s Board of Directors announced the appointment of a new member, Portland-based Carlos Marroquin. Columbia Riverkeeper’s volunteer board of directors oversees the organization’s advocacy goals and policies, finances, and public relations.

Mt. Hood National Forest is implementing new camping fees at seven campgrounds on Barlow and Hood River Ranger Districts beginning Friday, July 14.

Visit Hood River (VHR) has announced the 2023 Summer First Friday  series will continue on July 7th, to be held on Oak Street, downtown Hood River.  

This year’s cherry harvest is off to a slow start due to an unusually cool spring and summer weather. Orchardists report that high yields across the region are causing significant market impacts.

Hood River City Council held a public discussion on a 72-hour parking ordinance. The 72-hour rule would prohibit vehicles from parking within the public right of way for a period of more than 72 hours. The topic sparked a lively discussion, with many viewpoints and concerns voiced by the council.

Vital Reset, a psilocybin center in Hood River, OR was officially licensed on Friday, June 16, 2023. The center, located in the heart of downtown Hood River at 1020 Wasco St, Suite J, hopes to open their doors by mid to late July of 2023. The center will serve clients age 21 and over who are seeking alternative treatment options for mental health, personal and spiritual growth, and end of life peace by the mid to late July of 2023. 

Hood River, OR— After 22 years (Hood River) and 5 years (Wasco) of individual county efforts to improve the literacy of underserved children, First Book Hood River County and First Book Wasco County are combining their literacy efforts and adding Klickitat and Skamania Counties to become “Books for Kids Columbia Gorge”.

Mid-Columbia Community Action Council (MCCAC) is making significant progress on $1.6 million in grant and weatherization funded renovations to The Oregon Motor Motel thanks to the hard work of staff, volunteers, and local contractors. All of whom are rallied around completing the renovation of the 54-room motel which is expected to provide at least 50 transitional housing and shelter units with coordinated supportive services integrated on site in collaboration with community partners.

Through its annual Community Investment Grant Program, Visit Hood River announces the awarding of $27,600 in matching funds to six local organizations.

In a push to secure federal loans to construct a new Hood River Bridge, toll increases are currently being considered and the public is being asked to take a survey to consider two different menus of increases. Cost per auto and pickup would see an increase from $2 to $3 or $3.50 cash and from $1 to $1.75 or $2 on the BreezeBy system, depending on which toll option is used. 

Retired lawyers and volunteers have joined forces with Portland Community College C.L.E.A.R. Clinic to assist individuals in the Gorge seeking expungement.

SafeSpace Child Advocacy Center of The Gorge celebrated breaking ground on its planned new facility on Friday, May 26, in Hood River.